incur
What does "incur" mean?
To incur means to bring something unpleasant or undesirable upon oneself as a consequence of one's own actions or choices. Visualize it as "running into" a debt, a penalty, or a consequence that you now have to deal with, much like walking into a trap or a bill that you have to pay. This word is almost exclusively used in formal or professional contexts, such as finance, law, or high-level administration. You rarely "incur" good things; it is typically paired with negative nouns like "debt," "wrath," "costs," "penalties," or "losses."
"incur" in conversation
Discussing business expenses
If we proceed with this project, we will incur significant upfront costs.
If we proceed with this project, we will incur significant upfront costs.
I understand, but the long-term savings should offset that.
I understand, but the long-term savings should offset that.
Used here to describe financial obligations.
A legal warning
You might incur a heavy fine if you fail to file the paperwork on time.
You might incur a heavy fine if you fail to file the paperwork on time.
I see, I'll get it done today.
I see, I'll get it done today.
Demonstrates the use of incur regarding legal consequences.
"incur" in a sentence
She did not want to incur any extra expenses.
She did not want to incur any extra expenses.
The company incurred a massive loss after the failed merger.
The company incurred a massive loss after the failed merger.
He risked incurring the wrath of his superiors by speaking out against the policy.
He risked incurring the wrath of his superiors by speaking out against the policy.
